The aim is to make it more effective and more inclined to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) guidelines, sources said. Currently, the penalty for smoking in restricted areas is up to Rs 200.

The Union Health Ministry has re-initiated the process of amending the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in a bid to strengthen its provisions, including a ban on the sale of loose cigarettes and heavy fine for violation of rules.

To do so would depart from WHO's strict longstanding policy of not working with the tobacco industry, whose business practices have been proven to be contradictory with and detrimental to public health, they said.